To play Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation 5, you'll need a Microsoft account in addition to your PlayStation Network account, as confirmed by Microsoft's Forza support website. This requirement mirrors the process for other Xbox games on PlayStation, such as Minecraft, Grounded, and Sea of Thieves. The initial setup requires linking your accounts when you first launch the game.
This policy has sparked debate, with concerns raised about long-term preservation. Some worry that if Microsoft discontinues account linking in the future without updating the game, Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 could become unplayable. Loss of access to a linked Microsoft account also poses a risk to gameplay. This concern is amplified by the game's digital-only release on PS5; there's no physical disc version.
This situation recalls a similar controversy surrounding Helldivers 2 on PC, where a mandatory PSN account link was later reversed following player backlash. While Sony subsequently removed this requirement for some PC titles, offering incentives for those who kept the link, the Forza Horizon 5 situation remains distinct.
The reaction to the Forza Horizon 5 Microsoft account requirement has been mixed. Many PS5 players are questioning cross-progression. Unfortunately, the FAQ clarifies that Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 does *not* support save file transfers from Xbox or PC versions. This is consistent with the separate save files between Xbox and Steam versions. However, user-generated content (UGC) can be shared between platforms, although editing is only possible on the original save profile. Online leaderboard scores are synchronized if you use the same Microsoft account across platforms.
Forza Horizon 5's release on PlayStation 5 exemplifies Microsoft's broader strategy of expanding its games to multiple platforms. Expect more such cross-platform releases in the future.
